initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
Synonyms of initiationnext
1
a
: the act or an instance of initiating
b
: the process of being initiated
c
: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status
2
: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club crimes committed as part of gang initiations the initiation of judicial proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The initiation of live events, such as the NFL Christmas Day games and the forthcoming WWE Raw in 2025, signifies a transformative change for Netflix’s advertising business. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The analyst's initiation comes after a site visit to Orion's Tampa office and Clearwater Marina project, which highlighted the company's operational strengths and culture. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026 The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi will fund construction and pay Sphere a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the arena that will use Sphere’s proprietary designs, technology and intellectual property. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 20 Jan. 2026 The Bone Temple begins with Spike’s initiation into this unsavory group, and that’s where the movie’s problems begin, too. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of initiation was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

initiation

noun
ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
1
: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction
2
: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society

More from Merriam-Webster on initiation

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